‘Non-military Yanks welcome in Mindanao’

DAVAO CITY — About 300 Muslim leaders said yesterday they would welcome any number of Americans in Mindanao so long as they are non-military personnel, according to Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangundadatu.

"We welcome the presence of Americans anywhere in Mindanao, not only in Basilan, Sulu or Western Mindanao, but in all other places in the island as long as these would be non-military personnel," he said.

Mangundadatu made the remark during the First Mindanao Muslim Leaders Forum which was convened in the wake of bombings and fighting in different parts of Mindanao, including the bombing at the Davao International Airport which left 21 people dead and 146 others wounded.

"The presence of American combat personnel will only further widen the gap and misunderstanding in the conflict areas," Mangundadatu said a day after Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said Manila was seeking a "quick deal" with Washington on the planned Balikatan 03-1 joint military exercise.

"They can help us in education and in other socio-economic projects which we believe will help solve the root cause of the problem we have in Mindanao right now," the governor added.